Broad Definition of Detransition
The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey's definition of detransition is notably broad, which can lead to overreporting. The survey includes anyone who has ever temporarily reverted to living as their sex assigned at birth, even if only for a short period. This broad categorization can inflate the statistics, as many individuals who are counted as detransitioners may have only paused their transition due to external circumstances rather than a permanent decision. As one user noted, "The 8% is people who have detransitioned ever. Of them, 2/3 aren't living as their AGAB." – CriasSK source [citation:2fc5d3b6-13c0-42be-99a9-d051bf519860].

Impact of External Factors
External factors such as societal pressure, discrimination, and lack of support play a significant role in the decision to detransition. Many individuals do not detransition because they regret transitioning, but rather due to external pressures or a lack of resources and support. This is highlighted by the observation that "the vast majority of people detransition because of a lack of support." – javatimes source [citation:407ea76f-feb4-4cdc-8477-376f1d82a630].

Misleading Statistics
The survey's findings can be misleading due to the inclusion of temporary lapses in transition as detransitioning. This can result in an exaggerated perception of how many people detransition. For instance, if someone pauses hormone therapy due to financial or personal reasons, they might still be counted as a detransitioner. As one user pointed out, "They also wildly, deliberately over-represent how many people detransition by counting any momentary lapse for any reason as 'detransitioning'." – lukenbones source [citation:361cb4f2-e91a-4735-970b-f865b9104e9f].

Comparison with Other Studies
When comparing the survey's findings with other studies, it's important to consider the context and definitions used. The 8% detransition rate often cited includes temporary detransitions, which may not align with findings from other studies that use different criteria. The survey's broad definition can lead to discrepancies when compared to studies that focus on permanent detransition decisions. As noted, "What research we do have suggests the vast majority of people detransition because of a lack of support." – javatimes source [citation:407ea76f-feb4-4cdc-8477-376f1d82a630].

Conclusion
The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey's findings on detransition are influenced by broad definitions and external factors, which can lead to overreporting and misinterpretation. It's crucial to understand that many who are counted as detransitioners may have only temporarily paused their transition due to societal pressures or lack of support, rather than a permanent decision to revert to their assigned gender at birth. Recognizing these nuances can provide a more accurate and compassionate understanding of the detransition experience.